Main Entry: eel

Pronunciation: \ˈēl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ele, from Old English ǣl; akin to Old High German āl eel

Date: before 12th century

1 a : any of numerous voracious elongate snakelike bony fishes (order Anguilliformes) that have a smooth slimy skin, lack pelvic fins, and have the median fins confluent around the tail — compare american eel b : any of numerous other elongate fishes (as of the order Synbranchiformes)
2 : any of various nematodes (as the vinegar eel)

— eel·like \ˈēl-ˌlīk\ adjective

— eely \ˈē-lē\ adjective

[eel illustration]